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Working with your health care team — a physical therapist in particular — can help you overcome MS walking problems. Start with these solutions.

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Multiple sclerosis can affect your physical abilities in many ways. The condition can even make the act of putting one foot in front of another a challenge. According to a 2011 study published in the journal The Patient, 41 percent of people with MS report difficulty walking, and 13 percent say they’re unable to walk on at least two occasions a week — a major life disruption, the study found.

Although the severity of symptoms of MS can vary, research also finds that about half of those with relapsing-remitting MS who have not received any treatment will need some sort of MS assistive device for walking within 15 years of diagnosis.

Some of the challenges that make walking difficult when you have MS are fatigue, weakness and spasticity, balance issues, fear of falling, and loss of feeling.

A physical therapist can often play a major role in helping you manage MS walking problems, especially as the problems worsen. “A comprehensive exam by a physical therapist can identify the underlying sources of the gait problem and determine a rehab program to diminish the effects of the symptoms,” says Susan Bennett, PT, DPT, EdD, a clinical associate professor in the departments of rehabilitation science and neurology at the University at Buffalo, SUNY in Buffalo, N.Y. Your physical therapist, along with other health care professionals, can identity whether certain MS assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, and braces, can help you walk better.

In addition, these strategies can help you address MS symptoms that affect your mobility.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a very common symptom of MS. But one practical way to address fatigue is to simply slow down, cut back, and gradually build up your stamina. “Sometimes we’re tired, but we push through. When you have MS, you’re warned not to do that,” says Derek Sanchez, PT, DPT, CSCS, a physical therapist and owner of BioMotion Physical Therapy in Schertz, Texas.

A physical therapist can watch for signs of fatigue and adapt your workout if your exercises become too intense. With help from your doctor and a physical therapist, you can reach fitness goals that will build endurance and, in turn, keep you from getting fatigued so easily, according to Sanchez.

Weakness and Spasticity

When you have walking difficulties, your muscles may feel weak from lack of use. You might also experience spasticity, which means your muscles are tight. You can address these challenges with aerobic exercise, Bennett says. Aerobic exercise can have a positive effect on building your muscle strength, as can exercises for your core muscles and stretching. Bennett says there are also medications to help manage spasticity and gait speed, as well as assistive walking devices.

Balance and Fear of Falling

The best way to counteract a balance issue or fear of falling is to confront it head on with specific exercises, Sanchez says. Balance exercises can help you rebuild your confidence and your sense of equilibrium. Medical specialists can also help you determine whether balance issues are due to other sensory issues, such as vision problems, that commonly affect those with multiple sclerosis, Bennett explains.

Assistive walking devices are also recommended for people with balance issues.

Loss of Feeling

A physical therapist can work with you to help with loss of feeling, starting with walking therapy using pillows and sensory-specific equipment, Sanchez says. Depending on the severity, you may be referred to other specialists who can assess other causes of your loss of feeling.

Why Your Physical Therapist Is So Important

A relationship with your physical therapist is one you’ll want for life. Continue to follow any exercise program that the physical therapist recommends. “Healthy checkups with the physical therapist are strongly recommended to continue to monitor your functional ability and to revise the home or gym exercise program appropriately,” Bennett says. This may extend to monthly or bimonthly visits as your needs change.

Remember, MS walking problems are unique to each patient — despite having multiple sclerosis, entertainer Jack Osbourne recently boogied his way through the Dancing With the Stars show. But whether you want to samba or stroll, if walking is an issue for you, these tips may help keep you moving.

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